From over at the bar, Kent’s phone chirped, and Nicole swung her gaze in his direction. He pulled it from his pocket and answered it. As Nicole focused on the four cowboys, Kent’s gaze met hers as he talked to Mary. He gave Nicole a nod.
Everything was set just as they’d planned.
Nicole’s heart pounded so hard, it threatened to bruise a rib or two. Maybe, break one. This was it. It was now or never.
Taking a deep breath for courage, she ran moist palms over her dress to help dry her skin faster. She also tried to pull the hem of the dress down to cover more of her bare legs, but the material wouldn’t budge. On shaky three-inch high-heels, she headed toward Mick Remington’s table, keeping her focus on the back of his brown head of hair and wide shoulders.
With each step, she clenched her jaw a little tighter. How could she act sweet and docile toward him when she loathed the very ground he slithered upon? What if he found her attractive? He’d want to touch her. The very thought of being so intimate made her stomach roll.
Nicole’s plan had to succeed. Grandpa James’s disease had grown worse. He had one foot in the grave, and she would inherit the company after he was gone. But not if Mick Remington sank his uncaring claws into it first. If that man took over, the town’s very existence would be depleted.
Yeah, no pressure. It wasn’t like everyone in Maple Springs source of income rested heavily upon her shoulders.
As she passed Kent, he laughed out loud and jumped back. He stomped his cowboy-booted heel directly on her foot. Crying out, she stumbled away from him… and fell right onto Mr. Remington’s lap. The man’s muscular arms wrapped around her waist as a gush of air escaped his mouth, brushing her cheek. He smelled like mints – not alcohol. How refreshing.
The throbbing pain in her foot brought her back to what she was doing on his lap in the first place. Tears gathered in her eyes from the pain Kent had inflicted upon her. He knew how small her feet were since he’d teased her about them. Now she worried he’d broken some bones.
“Uh—sorry, lady,” Kent slurred and returned to the bar, chuckling.
Tomorrow she would make him pay dearly for this. But at least she had Remington’s attention.
Nervously, she turned and met Remington’s dark stare. Worry etched his handsome expression at first, but within seconds, kindness replaced it as his gaze practically caressed every inch of her face.
A sharp breath caught in her throat. This couldn’t possibly be Mick Remington. From what she’d heard, the man didn’t have an ounce of kindness.
Nicole blinked a couple times and focused back on the dream-man still gazing at her with a look that didn’t fit his reputation. Had she fallen on the wrong person?
Sweeping her gaze over his features, she double-checked to see if he was really Mick Remington. He resembled the man Mary had described, but somehow his skin seemed darker as if he’d just returned from enjoying the sandy beaches of Jamaica. Definitely, a possibility since Mick constantly traveled all over the world, according to the tabloids, anyway.
She swallowed hard. “I’m… I’m sorry for falling for you… I mean on you.” Embarrassment heated her face. Had she really said that? What an idiot she’d been… a very confused idiot.
Nicole struggled to move off his lap, but when she put her weight on her injured foot, the pain intensified. Stumbling, her shoe fell off in the process, and she sank back to his lap. “I can’t seem to stand.”
“How badly are you hurt?” His voice held a hint of concern.
“I can’t put pressure on my foot. I don’t know… it might be broken.”
Mr. Remington’s large hand slid down her leg until it hooked over the heel of her sore foot. His touch was so tender. So warm. Tremors of unexpected delight danced across her skin. She quickly silenced a traitorous sigh before it exited her mouth.
“Let me take a look.” He bent, inspecting it closer.
His hot breath caressed her skin. Goosebumps rose over her body from her neck, clear down to her toes.
She froze. It wasn’t just the pain from her bruise torturing her now, but the way his gentle fingers brushed over it.
He straightened. “It’s going to be a nasty bruise, but I don’t think it’s broken.”
Nicole forced a smile. “Thanks, but I should be leaving—” She moved to stand again, but his arms tightened around her waist.
“Sweetheart, you shouldn’t step on your foot now. It’s starting to swell.”
Her heart flipped from the nickname he’d given her. And why was his voice so stimulating when he said it? The pain must be affecting her hearing, too.
“But, I can’t stay on your lap all night.” From the mere idea, her face grew hotter. “I don’t even know you.”
“How about we change that right now?” His eyebrows lifted. “I’m Mick Remington. And you are…”
The woman that’s going to destroy you!
As much as she wanted to say those words, the sound of his deep, yet soothing voice brought odd sensations trickling over her. Her throat turned dry, as did her mouth.
She refocused on her mission and licked her parched lips. “I’m Nicole.” She couldn’t tell him her last name. He’d know exactly who she was related to. Quickly, she used her mother’s maiden name. “I’m Nicole Stanley.”
His gaze did a quick sweep around the room before landing back on her. “Are you here alone?”
“I’m not supposed to be.” She swallowed hard and began her lie. “But my date stood me up. I was on my way out the door when I was pushed onto your lap.”
He ran his hand softly over her knee, stirring the heat inside her up another level. They were way too close for her comfort.
“I really feel awkward sitting on you like this.” She motioned her head toward the empty space next to him on the booth’s seat. “Would you mind if I scooted over there?”
He gave her another devastating grin that lifted the right side of his mouth higher than the left. Dimples creased in both cheeks. Why did he have to have such an adorable feature about him? Regardless, she must stay focused on her goal.
“I would mind because I think this position is very cozy, but I wouldn’t want to make you uneasy in any way,” he said.
Shifting her on his lap, he slid his hands underneath her legs and eased her onto the empty space beside him as if she was as light as a feather. He kept her injured foot propped on his thigh.
Nicole sucked in a breath and heat rushed over every inch of her body. Silently, she cursed her reaction to this gorgeous man. She prayed she wouldn’t be fighting him and her traitorous body all night long. There was no way she could endure that much torture.
Being this close to him made Nicole’s body go berserk, but it was more than that. She didn’t know why he acted so considerate. Tycoons like Mick Remington didn’t have a thoughtful bone in their bodies. Unless… maybe he had too much to drink tonight already. She hadn’t detected the strong odor of alcohol on his breath, so she dismissed that thought. From her new vantage point in the booth, she could see him a little better – at least his body. He wasn’t wearing the Armani suit she’d expected. Instead, he wore a loose long-sleeve buttoned blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. As she slid her gaze down farther, black Wranglers hugged his lean waist and muscular legs. She couldn’t see his feet, but she bet he wore boots, too. Strange, but he didn’t resemble the jerk she’d believed from the rumors she’d heard. Mick motioned to the waitress who hustled to their table, wearing a come-get-me look in her eyes that were surrounded by long, thick – fake – eyelashes. Inwardly, N
“You surprise me, Nicole.”She peered into his dark eyes, wishing she could see their true color. The tabloid magazines said they were gray, but the dim lighting didn’t allow her to see. “Why do I surprise you?”“Because you know how to make a Colorado Bulldog.”She shrugged. “It’s my grandfather’s favorite drink.” Just as the words flew from her mouth, she quickly snapped her lips together. She couldn’t say anything that would connect her to James Adkins. In fact, she needed to get Mick talking about his business and the real reason he was here.“It’s not a popular drink.” He withdrew one hand from her leg and rested it on the table. “I don’t order it very often, but I thought tonight called for an out-of-the-ordinary creation.”She swallowed the cotton forming in her throat again. He wanted to make something out of tonight, just as she did. She hoped she could pull it off without him suspecting her true purpose. But she must! Mary was correct when she told her this was Nicole's miss
Mick Remington lifted his drink to his mouth while keeping his gaze on the incredibly beautiful woman. He’d seen his share of pretty women, but there was something about Nicole that held his interest. He liked the way she looked at him as if he was her rescuer. It was refreshing to be someone’s hero for a change, instead of the ruthless villain. However, he couldn’t stop the doubts from sneaking into his mind. After all, this was James Adkins’ granddaughter. Mick had seen a picture of her on her grandfather’s desk a couple of years ago when Mick had visited James. Nicole’s enchanting green eyes had haunted his dreams for several months afterward. And now… her grandfather was ill and his company was in trouble. Although Mick wanted nothing to do with the Remington empire – especially their reputation – he forced himself to work beside his father just to learn the ropes. He hadn’t spent any time with his father while growing up, and as an adult Mick was determined to become as success
Nicole slowly raised her head, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw the journalist sneak a peek their way as he raised his cell phone. Immediately, Mick knew the man was trying to take a picture. Without another thought, Mick quickly pressed his mouth against Nicole’s to keep that from happening, blocking the man from seeing her.She sucked in a quick breath and her body stiffened. But he couldn’t let her break the kiss. Not until the bald guy exited his floor.Mick’s arm crept up her slender back to her neck, bringing her closer. He moved his lips with hers, gently pecking, and then nibbling before caressing his lips against hers, but taking it very slowly. Soon, her body relaxed, and it didn’t take long before her mouth participated.Heat shot throughout him like he’d just touched an electric current. The rhythm of his heartbeat quickened, as did the urgency flowing through every nerve in his body. It amazed him that this woman’s kiss could give him that reaction. He was helples
She hurried to the door and opened it. Mary stood in front of her, clutching a high-tech camera in one hand and an empty bottle of tequila in the other. Nicole grabbed Mary’s arm and yanked her inside before closing the door. Her friend’s eyes widened. “Nikki? Why is your face so red?” Nicole rolled her eyes. “I’ve been trying to tell you… I can’t go through with this.” She pointed to her face. “This is what happens when I unbutton a man’s shirt. I’m not the person for your blackmail scheme.” “You unbuttoned…” Mary whipped around, looking for the bed. She gasped and rushed to the edge, staring down at the half-naked man. “Oh, glory,” she muttered as she tucked a small lock of her black hair behind her ear. “He’s better looking than I thought.” “Then you can probably imagine what he looks like awake.” Nicole folded her arms and tilted her head. “His eyes are dreamy enough to melt a glacier. And you know, I'm not the type of woman who gets all melty over men with gorgeous eyes.” Ma
Mick’s head ached, but it wasn’t from a hangover. He knew the symptoms by now. Sounds around him slowly filled his head. At first, the noises were echoing, but soon his hearing adjusted and the words were recognizable. Nicole was talking to another woman. And… why was he lying next to Nicole in this position? He didn’t dare open his eyes to let them know he was awake. Instead, he wanted to find out exactly what they were doing since they thought he was asleep. He had a feeling he wouldn’t like it. However, he’d make himself go along with it. For now, anyway. “Mary, he’s waking up!” Nicole whispered. “Are you sure?” the other woman answered back in a quiet voice. “No, but… why else is he doing this?” Even with his eyes closed, he could hear the woman named Mary as she moved around to his side of the bed and leaned closer to him. He detected the faint scent of pepperoni pizza on her breath. Mick didn’t have to try to be asleep, mainly because the effect of the sleeping pill – or
He caressed her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “I’m sorry our date had to end this way. This was definitely not my intention.” He shrugged. “I rarely ever get drunk anymore, especially enough to knock me out.” She licked her lips and nodded. “I’m… sure it was the Colorado Bulldog you drank. The bartender probably mixed it wrong.” “Yes, that’s probably what happened.” His fingers dropped to her mouth. He stroked just below her bottom lip. The urge to kiss her was strong. He wanted to see if that enchanting moment was as good as what he’d experienced in the elevator. But he resisted his desires. She would have to make the first move now. “Mick, I…” Her throat jumped. “I’m sorry the evening turned out this way. You seemed like a very nice man while we were having drinks in the lounge.” He arched an eyebrow. “I only seemed like a nice man while we were inside the lounge? What about in the elevator when I stopped that reporter from taking a picture of your face?” Her face flamed
“M.. Mr. Remington,” she stuttered. “What a surprise.” “I’m glad you think so.” He stepped in and closed the door behind him. Her heart jumped to her throat. They were alone. Again. “What… can I help you with?” She wished her voice wasn’t so shaky. He moved to the chair in front of her desk and sat. His bold stare moved over her black lace detailed jacket that covered a sleeveless black and brown dress that hugged her frame and ended at her knees. Thankfully, he couldn’t see all of that since she was still behind her desk. She didn’t plan on standing any time soon for fear her trembling legs would collapse underneath her. His gaze moved over the loosely styled bun that she’d fixed in her hair, leaving a section of her bangs to fall fashionably over her brow, and down her face to rest on her lips. Immediately, cotton took up residency in her mouth and she swallowed hard. “You look… different,” he said. She shrugged. “This is how I always dress for work.” Which was a lie, since sh